Join Edgar Rico, the talented chef and co-owner of Nixta Taqueria in Austin, as he tackles the delicious world of tacos! Discover the intriguing origins of this versatile dish and how it has evolved over time. Learn why corn is so vital to Mexican culture and the fascinating process of making fresh tortillas. Edgar shares insights on the art of taco making and even dives into the playful debate on whether tacos can be considered sandwiches. A delightful exploration for taco lovers of all ages!
Tacos originated in Mexico, with roots in ancient Mesoamerican traditions and significant historical debates about their exact beginnings.
The evolution of tacos in the U.S. was notably influenced by figures like Glenn Bell, reflecting changes in American dietary culture.
Deep dives
The Origins of Tacos
Tacos originated in Mexico, with their essence rooted in the use of corn tortillas filled with various ingredients, including meats and vegetables. Historical evidence suggests that Native Mesoamericans, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, consumed dishes resembling tacos thousands of years ago, utilizing round corn discs for meals. There is some debate over the exact origins of the taco, with one perspective linking them to miners in 19th century Mexico who filled tortillas with stews for convenient lunches while working. The first published taco recipe appeared in the early 1800s and has evolved significantly since then.
The American Taco Revolution
Tacos made their way to the United States through Mexican miners, particularly in California, during the mid-19th century when large parts of the western U.S. were formerly part of Mexico. However, they did not gain widespread popularity in the U.S. until the 1960s, largely attributed to Glenn Bell, who founded Taco Bell after being inspired by local taco shops. The proliferation of hard-shell tacos in fast food chains marked a significant transformation in how tacos were perceived, reflecting a shift in American dietary culture. This popularity illustrates tacos' evolution, adapting to local tastes while becoming an integral part of the American culinary landscape.
Tortilla Traditions and Techniques
Corn tortillas are a fundamental component of tacos, generated through a careful process called nixtamalization that enhances their digestibility and flavor. This ancient method involves cooking corn in a lime solution to unlock its nutrients and create masa, the dough used for tortillas. At Nixta Taqueria, fresh tortillas are made daily, emphasizing the importance of using heirloom corn varieties to preserve cultural heritage. The labor-intensive process reflects a deep connection to Mexican culture, echoing the sentiment that "without corn, there is no country," and highlights the evolving nature of food as it adapts to contemporary culinary practices.
Do you love tacos? Then you’re not alone! Tacos originated in Mexico but they’re popular worldwide and they are ever evolving. Kids have a lot of questions about this favorite food so we visited Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas to learn more! Who made the first tacos? And where? What’s the deal with crispy shells vs. soft tortillas? Why do tacos have sauce? Why does corn come in so many different colors? And are there rules about what makes a taco…a taco?